Bro. James Chris Morgan, age 89, passed away Saturday December 27, 2025 at Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden, Arkansas.

He was born August 8, 1936, in Lake Village, a son of the late Charles William and Julia Mae Benson.  Over the course of his life, he was many things to many people.  He was Bro. Chris to his congregation, Chris to his fishing buddy's, Daddy to his boys, Papaw to his many grand and great grandchildren, Brother to his sisters, Sunshine to some, but Friend to all.

Chris found a love for music at an early age, receiving his first guitar as a birthday gift when he was 9 years old.  He joined the school band and played most any instrument he was asked to despite not being able to read music.

Chris and the love of his life, Wilma Jean Pesnell, eloped on August 6, 1955. During their 66 years of marriage, Chris and Jean had 3 sons. Chris worked at Gilchrist Bag Company until his retirement at age 62.

He came to know Jesus as his Lord around the age of ten at First Baptist Church, Smackover, AR.  He surrendered to preach later in life and Bro. Chris was the faithful pastor of Eagle Mills Baptist Church for almost 42 years.  Not only did he share the gospel clearly from the pulpit, he also used his love for music as a ministry tool.  He played the keyboard, guitar, and sang passionately most Sundays.

He was well known as an avid fisherman, and when he wasn't serving his church, he could usually be found emptying a crappie hole at White Oak Lake. He often found someone at the boat ramp to give his catch to and then he would share the gospel with them in exchange.  If he wasn't giving the fish away, he was saving them up to fry for his church members or family. His intentions were always pointed at how to serve others.

Recently, he started making his own crappie jigs.  After his "girlfriend" Jean passed away, he filled his living room with all the things needed to perfect this newfound hobby.

Chris was the kind of man who made quick friends with anyone and everyone he encountered.  He boldly shared with others about his Savior and cared deeply for the souls of those he knew.  He spent hours in his car driving to visit shut-ins, widows, sick, and church members in the hospital.  He made countless phone calls a day checking on friends and family and just letting them know he was thinking about them.  He will be greatly missed by many.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jean Morgan; a son, Sandy Lee Morgan; a sister, Evelyn Faye Morgan; grandsons, Kevin Morgan, Andy Morgan and Samuel Morgan.

He leaves behind two sons, Randy Morgan (Sandy), and David Morgan (Felicia); three sisters, Julia Marie Hodge, Bobbie Gail Salter, and Frances Mathis; eight grandchildren, Kandi Sneed (Brian), Elizabeth Glass (Jay), Ashley Morgan, Brandon Morgan, Brittany McClane (Jake), Michael Cano, Tiffany Coon, and Christian Morgan; nineteen great-grandchildren; Aubrey Sneed, Zane Morgan, Paisley Morgan, Roy Glass, Ryan Glass, Ivy Jean Glass, Kaeden McClane, Olivia McClane, Salem Morgan, Zagan Morgan, Alyssa Morgan, Alex Morgan, Taylor Cano, Makailee Johnson, Brailee Cano, Savannah Leighamn, Bre Goshen, Jason Goshen Jr., and Harper James Morgan.

Visitation will be this Tuesday from 5:00-8:00 PM at Proctor Funeral Home.  Service will be Wednesday at 2:00 PM at Eagle Mills First Baptist Church, Bearden, AR., with burial at Bell Chapel Cemetery.